Posted: 4/19/10

Paper, pens, rulers, calculators and so many other school supplies can really add up in cost. For families with limited income, this can pose a real problem. To combat these costs, the Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Council raised school supplies for Macomb children in need throughout March and April.

The two Greek councils raised more than $950 worth of school supplies, which will go to children at Lincoln Elementary School and Edison Elementary School.

Joseph Moore, IFC Community Service chair and member of Sigma Chi fraternity, and Mary Wilson, PHC Community Service chair and member of Phi Sigma Sigma sorority, organized the school supply drive.

"It's a way for students at Western to give back to Macomb," Moore said. The drive was organized as competition between fraternities and sororities with a point value assigned to each item donated. However, the only prize for winning this competition was the pride of knowing their organization had done everything they could for the local community.

This is the second year that Moore has organized the drive, and he plans to expand the effort to include the entire Western Illinois campus, instead of limiting it to Greeks alone.

Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity raised more supplies than any other fraternity by donating more than $250 worth of supplies.

"We're always here to help out Macomb and anyone in need," said Andy Bulfer, IFC president and member of Alpha Gamma Rho. "We just wanted to help out schools."

Alpha Gamma Rho participates in a number of other philanthropic events, including their annual Hog Roast, which raises money for a Macomb family in need. Bulfer also added, "IFC is always looking for community service opportunities and owes thanks to its fraternities for supporting these efforts."

Phi Sigma Sigma sorority is credited with raising more supplies than any other sorority in PHC by donating more than $100 worth of supplies. Phi Sigma Sigma is known for its annual Kicks for Kidneys event, which raises money for the National Kidney Foundation.

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Charles Gilbert's role in Western's Sigma Chi chapter has won him the honor of joining the "The Order of Constantine"

Being a member of a fraternity can be an integral part of one's college career. For Charles Gilbert it has been part of most of his life. This summer Gilbert will be honored by Sigma Chi with an induction into "The Order of Constantine" - the highest honor the national fraternity gives.

Gilbert began his relationship with Sigma Chi when he was initiated in 1961 as an undergraduate at George Washington University. According to Eric Myers, Sigma Chi president at Western Illinois University, Gilbert is worthy of the award because he has been a loyal Sig and an active contributor for much of his life.

"The Order of Constantine" was created in 1948 and is granted to Sigma Chi members who have devoted themselves to serving the fraternity, usually over a period of at least 20 years. According to Myers, out of 250,000 men initiated into the 150-year old fraternity, only 500 have been so honored.

"(The award) means what every Sigma Chi strives to be," Myers said. "(Gilbert) is Sigma Chi through and through, he started the chapter here at Western, he is dedicated and helps out when needed."

Gilbert, who will be retiring from his position as Office of Institutional Research and Planning at Western this year, has served the chapter in a variety of capacities in the nearly 18 years Sigma Chi has been on campus. He served as the first financial adviser from 1987 to1994 and as the chapter adviser for the last 11 years. Gilbert also was instrumental in helping establish the local chapter.

"I don't know how to describe it, it is very rewarding. You get to see two decades of young men come in and develop as students," Gilbert said about being a member of Sigma Chi. "You get a lot more out of it than you put in; it has been a joy."

One of the more significant gifts Gilbert has given to Sigma Chi was establishing the Charles Gilbert/Isaac Jordan Scholarship, a nonacademic scholarship given to one or two Sigma Chis at Western each year. It is awarded to those who best represent the fraternity, and the values it stands for.

Despite a life of service to the fraternity, Gilbert said he was stunned when he found out he would be receiving the award this June at the Grand Chapter meeting in Cincinnati, Ohio. He prefers to reflect not on what he has done for the fraternity, rather what it has done for him as a person.

He remembers his experience as an undergrad in the 1960s and how his fraternity brothers helped him overcome dyslexia and succeed. He said they used to help him study and edit all of his papers late into the night.

"Being dyslexic in the 1960s, they really got me through. My best friends today are the ones I had as an undergraduate," Gilbert said.

Gilbert also expressed pride for the men in the local chapter and the achievements they have accomplished academically and socially.

"Our chapter here has been running a little better than a 3.0 GPA for the house," Gilbert said. "It's a lot more than just a party, we try to live what we stand for."

Gilbert's induction will officially take place June 23. He will be honored along with 14 other Sigma Chi members from across the country.

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